Meter top and index box



June 7, 1927.

E. A. CLARK METER TOP AND INDEX BOX Filed Jan.5, 1924 gri dcnl'oz EA. 624571" Patented lane 7', 1%27.

outrun s'ra rss EARLEA. CLARK, or 'rU sA, OKLAHO A.

IME'IERITOP A D mn xBox.

Application fi led January 5, 1924. Serial No. 684,540.

My invention relates to new-and useful improvements in combined top and, index boxes for gas meters, and has for its object to provide a device which is'economicaluto: and the top be-\ to do away with the gaskets around the in- 10 dex box, which are necessary in the constructions now in use, and'which rapidly deteriorate and become ineffectual.

With the above and'other objects in view, which will appear as the description proceeds, my invention consists in the novel features herein set forth, illustrated in the accompanying drawing and more particulargly pointed out in the appended claim.

Referring to thedrawing; Fig. l is a plan view of my combined meter top and index box.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on line 22 of Fig. 1, showing the integral casting.

Fig. 3'is a side View, and y Fig. i is a view of the bottom showing the plate which encloses the index box.

In the drawing numerals of like character e designate similar parts throughout the several views. 7 e l designates the main body portion of my improved top, being provided around itsedges with a plurality of apertures 2 adapted to receive bolts 01 screws 3, which secure the top to the meter portion. I F

Centrally of the top, I provide an index box 4, integral therewith and preferably :ylindrical being open at itsupper extremity and adapted to receive a glass '5, to enabl the index 6 to be seen. 4.0

with the top and box, are a plurality of lugs 7, interiorly screw threaded and adapted to receive screws 8, which secure the plate 9 to the'bottom of the index box, as shown in Fig. 4.

The mechanism of the index box and meter may be of the usual construction and forms no part of my lnventlon. i

At the base of the index box and integral On either side ofthe index box 4:, and also integral with the top I provide hollow portlons 10, which serve as'gas inlet-and out-.

let, threaded attheir upper extremities to receive nuts 11, for holding the connecting elbows 12 in'place. said .elbows serving as OOllIlQOlilOIlStOfC-llE gas line.

twillvbe noted that by my invention I have produced a meter top and index box consisting practically of one casting and which is simple, inexpensive and durable, and avoids the necessityof gaskets and screws between-the index box and the top,thereby adding to the safety of the device, as the escape ofgas is precluded. f v i :From the foregoing, it isbelieved that my invention can be clearly understood without further description, and it may be mm, E. 1

stated that numerous changes may be made 7 in the details of construction, without deunobstructed vertically extending tubular members serving as inlet and outlet, integral with said body "portion and located centrally ofthe longitudinal extremities thereof connecting elbows removably mounted at the upper extremities of said tubular members, an upwardly extending hollow index box parting from the spirit of the invention as disclosed in the following claim.

lVhat I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is A meter top"com'prising a body portion provided at its outer extremities with an; apcrtured. flange adapted to receive bolts,

provided with a transparent upper l acebe- M tween said tubular members spaced apart therefrom and also integral with said body portion, said index box being provided on" its under side with a plurality of threaded apertures, and a PlflllQ'PlOVlClGCl with corresponding apertures and adapted to receive screws for securing the smile rigidly against the underside of said index box to enclose the mechanism:within'the same. i

' In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

EAR A. CLARK. 

